Microtransit and the Gunbarrel shuttle project

Danny O'Connor, Senior Transportation Planner for the City of Boulder, presented an update about the proposed Gunbarrel shuttle at the Commuting Solutions membership meeting held on April 24.

The proposed Gunbarrel shuttle would utilize microtransit, a new concept within the transportation world. This service would provide on-demand, point-to-point service within a fixed zone using vans or shuttles.

The routing and scheduling provided by this service will supplement the existing transit network and areas difficult to serve with fixed bus routes. It aims to bridge the gap between traditional public transit, such as buses, and private transportation options, such as taxis and ride-sharing services. The Gunbarrel Shuttle Marketing and Branding Advisory Committee asks that Gunbarrel businesses, community members, commuters and residents share their vision for the Gunbarrel Shuttle.

The Gunbarrel Shuttle would be an on-demand service with passenger real-time requests through mobile apps or phones, and dynamic routing, where routes are dynamically generated based on the current demand and the location of passengers. Most of the commercial areas in Gunbarrel are part of the City of Boulder, while most of the residential areas are in unincorporated Boulder County.

In addition to these main offerings, microtransit offers flexible scheduling, smaller vehicles, first-mile/last-mile connectivity (this bridges the gap between a transit hub such as a bus station and home or work), technology integration, reduction of traffic congestion, and increased cost efficiencies, as operating large buses on routes with low ridership can be inefficient and costly. It can be operated by public transit agencies, private companies, or through public-private partnerships.

The development of microtransit and the CO 119 Safety, Mobility and Bikeway Project has been a result of extensive collaboration among municipalities, with the City of Boulder taking the lead. This collaborative effort began in 2014 with the City of Boulder's renewed visions for transit, and has since undergone many transitions.

The culmination of this effort was the 2020 Commuting Solutions 119 Bikeway Rapid Transit First and Final Mile Study, which focused on easing the transition between residents' commutes from home to transit and from transit to work. This study paved the way for the Gunbarrel Flex Shuttle Branding/Marketing Campaign, a significant milestone in the project's progress.

The Gunbarrel area, a large suburban area, significantly needs improved transit options, O'Conner said. This project aims to enhance community economic and environmental resiliency by restoring transit to an area that recently lost RTD service. By reconnecting areas and integrating with RTD services, Microtransit aims to expand travel options in diverse areas for work, school trips, and essential services such as doctor's appointments.

The ultimate goal is to build ridership and expand the market reach of CO 119 Bus Rapid Transit to similar services to be launched in Longmont. This service will cover a 4.5-square-mile zone of 11,500 people, with 9,800 jobs, 40% of which are considered essential. The first/last-mile connections for RTD #205 and BOLT will be zero-fare.

O'Conner said that the impact of microtransit on taxis and ride-sharing service-oriented for-profit companies will be intriguing to observe. There could be a positive synergy coupling microtransit's mindset on inclusivity and coverage, resulting in shorter trips. These shorter trips, while typically less profitable for companies like taxis and ride-hailing services, might thrive in dense, urban areas due to increased frequency and steadiness. Ultimately, it will come down to competition, including service areas provided, ease of use, affordability, and timeliness.

Boulder County's next steps include refining the plan by executing funding IGAs, which are in process. Creating a branding and marketing plan is also in process. The goal is to issue a request for proposal, secure an operator by the second quarter of 2024, and launch a full service by the fall of 2024. The pilot period from 2024 through 2027 will evaluate the service and program, and study the feasibility of other offerings.